In a decisive move to strengthen the agricultural backbone of the nation, the Government of Guyana has fulfilled its promise to remove land rent and Drainage & Irrigation (D&I) fees for farmers nationwide. This policy, rolled out across all major rice- and crop-producing regions, represents a major financial reprieve—directly freeing income for thousands of rural families from Regions 2 to 6 and beyond.
Historically, land rent and D&I charges posed a recurring burden on small- and medium-scale farmers, consuming a significant share of production costs. In 2020, the government pledged to reverse the increases that were imposed by the previous administration. That promise has now become a reality. As confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, both land rental rates and D&I fees for farmers on state lands have been waived or significantly reduced, depending on land classification (Ministry of Agriculture, 2023).
This move not only relieves financial stress but enables more reinvestment into production. “The removal of these fees is not just a fiscal policy—it’s an empowerment policy,” noted Agriculture Minister said. “It allows farmers to buy better seeds, improve irrigation systems, and expand cultivation.” In fact, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has indicated that the sector has already seen improved planting rates and investment in on-farm infrastructure since the change (GRDB Annual Report 2023).
From rice growers on the Essequibo Coast to cash crop cultivators in East Berbice-Corentyne, the impact has been widely felt. Region 5 farmer associations have publicly praised the decision, stating that the funds previously allocated to fees are now used to hire additional labour and enhance productivity.
This nationwide initiative is part of a broader rural support framework that includes access to certified seeds, expansion of farm-to-market roads, and improved input subsidies. These reforms align with the government’s broader economic goals of food security, regional trade expansion under the CARICOM 25 by 2025 Agenda, and rural poverty alleviation.
By removing these burdensome costs, the Government of Guyana has not only fulfilled a campaign commitment—it has empowered an entire class of food producers who form the foundation of the national economy. This is more than fiscal relief; it is a lifeline for Guyana’s farming families.
This is what real progress looks like.
